The purpose of this Section 3.2.1 [3.2] is to create zoning districts, to specify the nature and components of the permitted development within each zoning district, and to establish regulations regarding the physical character and intensity of development in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22)
A. 
The City of Bee Cave is divided into zones, also called districts, and the boundaries of zoning districts set out in this Section are delineated on the Official Zoning Map.
B. 
All land within the City Limits is classified into the districts shown in Table 3.2-1: Zoning Districts.
Table 3.2-1: Zoning Districts
Residential Districts
AG - Agriculture District
R-1 - Residential Estate District
R-2 - Suburban Residential District
R-3 - Suburban Transitional District
R-4 - Urban Residential District
R-5 - Multifamily and Amenity Residential District
Mixed-Use Districts
MU-N - Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
MU-C - Community Mixed-Use District
MU-TC - Town Center Mixed-Use District
Commercial Districts
C-1 - Neighborhood Commercial District
C-2 - Medium Commercial District
C-3 - Regional Commercial District
Specialty Districts
PDD - Planned Development District
P - Public District
Hill Country Corridor Overlay
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22; Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
Table 3.2-2: Zoning Equivalency Chart identifies zoning districts that existed under the previous zoning ordinance and the zoning district and regulations that now apply in this UDC to each district.
Table 3.2-2: Zoning Equivalency Chart
Former District
Equivalent under UDC
A - Agriculture
AG - Agriculture District
SF-RR - Single-Family Rural Residential
R-1 - Residential Estate District
SF-20 - Single-Family Estate Residential-20
R-2 - Suburban Residential District
No Equivalent
R-3 - Suburban Transitional District
SF-PH - Single-Family Residential Patio Home
R-4 - Urban Residential District
SFA - Single-Family Attached Residential (townhome)
MF1 - Multi-Family Residential-1
R-5 - Multifamily Residential District
O - Office
C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District
R - Retail
NS - Neighborhood Service
TC - Town Center
MU-TC - Town Center Mixed-Use District
C - Commercial
C-2 - Medium Commercial District
C-3 - Regional Commercial District
MU - Mixed Use
MU-C - Community Mixed-Use District
MU-N - Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
P - Public Use
P - Public District
PD - Planned Development
PDD - Planned Development District
PRO - Planned Residential Overlay
CUP - Conditional Use Permit
District-SUP suffix
No Equivalent
Hill Country Corridor Overlay
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22; Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
A. 
Intent. The Agriculture (AG) District includes land within the City Limits that are relatively undeveloped. Unless otherwise specified within the UDC or by the terms of an agreement between the City and a landowner, the AG district is the initial classification typically applied to a tract when it is annexed by the City (see Section 3.1.6). The AG district is intended to retain a rural character while having the potential to support urban growth and increased density once Public Facilities are available or can be extended to the property. Agricultural activities conducted within the AG district should not be detrimental to urban land uses.
B. 
Permitted uses: subsection 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: subsection 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: subsection 3.4.1.C [3.4.2].
2. 
Residential Design Standards: N/A.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards: N/A.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: subsection 3.4.6 [3.4.7].
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: subsection 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: subsection 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: N/A.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22)
A. 
Intent. The Residential Estate District (R-1) is a residential district generally located at the urban fringe of the City that includes land subdivided for single-family residential purposes and associated uses. Lots must be one (1) acre or larger. It is acknowledged that the cost of providing Public Facilities to large lots may constitute a disproportionate financial burden on the City and other utilities, and such lots may be served by septic systems and streets with a rural cross-section rather than full Public Facilities. This district is intended to retain a quasi-rural character.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.1.C [3.4.2].
2. 
Residential Design Standards: Section 3.4.3.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards: N/A.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: N/A.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22)
A. 
Intent. The Suburban Residential District (R-2) is a residential district with a density of one (1) to two (2) dwelling units per acre. Lots are generally served by Public Facilities such as local and residential collector streets with sidewalks on both sides of the street and curb and gutter and with water and wastewater infrastructure. This district is intended to provide a variety of lower-density housing options while retaining a pedestrian-friendly, community feel with convenient access to commercial services.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.1.C [3.4.2].
2. 
Residential Design Standards: Section 3.4.3.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards: N/A.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: N/A.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22)
A. 
Intent. The Suburban Transitional District (R-3) is a residential district with a density of three (3) to five (5) dwelling units per acre. The R-3 district accommodates most housing needs by allowing for housing types and contextual development standards. The Suburban Transitional District (R-3) allows for multiple units per lot and provides for a variety of housing that ensures effective community development, such as duplexes. Lots are to be served by Public Facilities such as public streets with curb and gutter and with water and wastewater infrastructure. This district is intended to contribute to community character by providing convenient pedestrian access to commercial services and the critical mass of population needed to support those services.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.1.C [3.4.2].
2. 
Residential Design Standards: Section 3.4.3.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards: N/A.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: N/A.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22)
A. 
Intent. The Urban Residential District (R-4) is a residential district with a density of six (6) to nine (9) dwelling units per acre. The district accommodates urban housing capable of integrating with commercial and mixed-use districts in the City as well as high-density housing. The Urban Residential District (R-4) allows for either single units or multiple units per lot with private yards or open space and dedicated parking at the units. Lots are to be served by Public Facilities such as public or private streets with curb and gutter and with water and wastewater infrastructure. Buildings should be built close to the street where possible to contribute to a lively and unbroken streetscape. This district is intended to contribute to community character by providing convenient pedestrian access to commercial services and the critical mass of population needed to support those services.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.1.C [3.4.2].
2. 
Residential Design Standards: Section 3.4.3.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards: N/A.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: N/A.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22)
A. 
Intent. The R- 5 - Multifamily and Amenity Residential District is an attached residential district and contains uses that are more intensive than other residential districts. It is also intended to provide an option for small-scale amenity commercial uses to go with multi-family residential where appropriate. The principal permitted land uses include detached low- and mid-rise multiple-family dwellings with primarily shared open space and parking. The district also accommodates complementary commercial and residential uses such as cafe or retail space on the ground floor of residential building or as a separate building. These regulations are intended to reduce and mitigate negative impacts to light, air, visual intrusions, and noise. Recreational, religious, health, and educational uses normally located to serve residential areas are also permitted in this district. This district should be located adjacent to a major thoroughfare and serve as a buffer between retail or commercial development or heavy automobile traffic and medium or low-density residential development. This district is intended to contribute to community character by providing convenient pedestrian access to neighborhood services and the critical mass of population needed to support those services.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.2.
2. 
Residential Design Standards: Section 3.4.3.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards: Section 3.4.5.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: Section 3.4.7.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22; Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
A. 
Intent. The Neighborhood Mixed-Use District (MU-N) is intended to provide a transition between single-use residential districts and the City's major thoroughfares. The MU-N district accommodates neighborhood-scale commercial uses and complementary residential uses such as stacked units above retail or commercial space on the ground floor. The District is designed to serve residents within a 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk. Lots are to be served by Public Facilities such as public streets with curb and gutter and with water and wastewater infrastructure. Buildings should be designed with a high level of sensitivity to the character of the surrounding neighborhood. This district is intended to contribute to community character by providing convenient pedestrian access to commercial services and the critical mass of population needed to support those services.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.2.
2. 
Residential Design Standards: N/A.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards and bonuses: Section 3.4.5.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: Section 3.4.7.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22; Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
A. 
Intent. The Community Mixed-Use District (MU-C) is intended to accommodate housing demand along with demand for community-serving retail and commercial uses. Urban housing and neighborhood-scale commercial capable of integrating with the highest intensity commercial and mixed-use districts in the City. The Neighborhood Mixed-Use District (MU-C) allows for a diversity of commercial and residential uses, such as ground floor retail and services with offices or multi-family residential units stacked above, small office buildings, and townhomes. Lots are to be served by Public Facilities such as public streets with curb and gutter and with water and wastewater infrastructure. Because most units lack private yards in these types of developments, generous amenities and public or private open space are necessary to maintain a high quality of life and to provide recreational opportunities. Buildings should be built to the street where possible to contribute to a lively and unbroken streetscape as well as to allow for the efficient provision of large, usable open spaces within or adjacent to the development. Buildings should be designed with a sensitivity to their context and serve as major contributors to the character of the surrounding area and street corridor. The fundamental characteristics of the district should be flexible as to the size and depth of properties. On narrower or shallower properties less than 300 feet deep, more traditional strip commercial uses may be permissible if the overall fabric of the street is not disrupted. This district is intended to provide convenient pedestrian and auto access to commercial services that draw from outside the immediate neighborhood, requiring careful attention to be paid to creating and preserving transportation facilities and connections.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.2.
2. 
Residential Design Standards: N/A.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards and bonuses: Section 3.4.5.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: Section 3.4.7.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22; Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
A. 
Intent. The Town Center Mixed-Use District (MU-TC) is intended to function as Bee Cave's downtown, incorporating an intentional mixture of commercial, retail, business, residential, and civic uses. Buildings should be carefully planned to frame and provide access to public plazas and signature features. Foot traffic should be the prevailing form of transportation, with streetscapes and intersections designed to minimize high-speed auto traffic. On- and off-street parking should be discreet and shared between uses. Existing parking lots and parking garage facades are considered temporary features and may be redeveloped consistent with the guidelines of the Town Center Mixed - Use District (MU-TC).
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.2.
2. 
Residential Design Standards: N/A.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards and Bonuses: Section 3.4.5.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: Section 3.4.7.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22; Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
A. 
Intent. The Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1) is a commercial district intended primarily for non-auto-oriented, residential services business uses such as coffee cafes or neighborhood servicing commercial uses. This district allows for a variety of light commercial uses that will serve as a transitional zone between residential and less intense commercial uses. Permitted uses will be those of a less intense nature that will aesthetically blend with the residential character of the area while permitting commercial enterprises.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.2.
2. 
Residential Design Standards: N/A.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards and bonuses: Section 3.4.5.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: Section 3.4.7.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
A. 
Intent. The Medium Commercial District (C-2) is a commercial district that allows a mix of commercial uses including, retail, office, local bank, and similar uses excluding residential and multifamily. This district allows the retail sale of goods and products that provide a healthy and diverse commercial base.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.2.
2. 
Residential Design Standards: N/A.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards and bonuses: Section 3.4.5.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: Section 3.4.7.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
A. 
Intent. The Regional Commercial District (C-3) is a commercial district intended primarily for auto-oriented business uses such as big-box retail or heavier commercial uses. Properties zoned Regional Commercial are generally not appropriate directly abutting a low-density (R-1, R-2) residential district.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.2.
2. 
Residential Design Standards: N/A.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards and bonuses: Section 3.4.5.
4. 
Residential Adjacency: Section 3.4.7.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22; Ordinance 543 adopted 8/27/2024)
A. 
Intent. The Public District (P) is a non-residential district intended primarily for uses of a government, civic, public service, or institutional nature, including major public facilities such as City administrative buildings, police and fire stations, and City, County, or State maintenance or service uses. Any use established in a P district must be designed to minimize disruption to surrounding uses, especially residential uses.
B. 
Permitted uses: Section 3.3.5.
C. 
Dimensional standards: Section 3.4.1.
D. 
Other regulations.
1. 
Parking Standards: Section 3.4.1.C [3.4.2].
2. 
Residential Design Standards: N/A.
3. 
Non-Residential and Mixed-Use Design Standards and bonuses: Section 3.4.3 [3.4.5].
4. 
Residential Adjacency: Section 3.4.7.
5. 
Accessory Buildings and Structures: Section 3.4.9.
6. 
Non-Conforming Lots, Structures, and Uses: Section 3.4.11.
7. 
Signage: Article 4.
8. 
Landscaping: Article 5.
9. 
Supplemental Development Standards: Article 6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22)
A. 
A. Intent. The Planned Development District (PDD) is intended to allow development of specific projects with regulations tailored to the project.
B. 
Procedures and standards: see subsection 3.5.5.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22; Ordinance 542 adopted 8/27/2024; Ordinance 564 adopted 2/25/2025)
A. 
Intent. The purpose of the Hill Country Overlay District is to retain the rural and natural character of Hamilton Pool Road while still allowing for future growth in a responsible manner.
B. 
Boundaries: Four hundred (400) feet from either side of Hamilton Pool Road from Highway 71 to the City limit for any property with frontage on Hamilton Pool Road. If a property extends beyond the four hundred foot buffer, the overlay will apply to the entire property. In the event of future annexation, overlay boundaries shall follow the Hamilton Pool Road corridor.
C. 
Procedures and standards. See Section 3.4.6.
(Ordinance 475 adopted 6/28/22)
A. 
Purpose.
This district is intended to establish and preserve attractive golf courses, driving ranges, natural or artificial hazards for the game of golf, tennis/pickleball courts, and other recreational amenities generally associated with a golf club, such as a clubhouse, restaurant/lounge, pool facility, and pro shop. The intent is to protect the integrity of such areas by prohibiting the intermixture of uses that are incompatible with the game of golf and its amenity uses. The site should also contain adequate space for open space and landscaping buffers.
B. 
Permitted uses.
The below uses are permitted to accompany a golf course:
1. 
Golf courses including tees, fairways, driving range, golf greens, natural and artificial hazards, pro shop, golf cart repair and servicing facilities, and golf course maintenance facilities;
2. 
Clubhouse with or without a restaurant and/or lounge, with or without alcoholic beverage sales;
3. 
Tennis/pickleball courts, facilities;
4. 
Swimming pool, facilities;
5. 
Accessory structures and uses incidental to the foregoing uses;[.]
C. 
Special uses.
1. 
Other amenity facilities may be permitted with an SUP permitted by the city council pursuant to section 3.5.6.
D. 
Dimensional Standards.
1. 
Maximum height.
No part of any structure within this district, except for chimneys, attic ventilators and plumbing vent stacks, may exceed 35 feet in height above the highest natural grade under the slab, unless an SUP is granted by the city council pursuant to section 3.5.6.
2. 
Setbacks.
Structures within this district must be a minimum of 10 feet from any lot or property lines, and must be a minimum of 25 feet from any residential lot or property line.
(Ordinance 545 adopted 9/24/2024)